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Overview

This guide walks you through publishing your MobileCoder app to the Google Play Store. You’ll need to create an AAB (Android App Bundle) file and set up a Google Play Developer account.

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Prerequisites

  • Google Play Developer Account ($25 one-time fee) — Sign up here
  • Node.js and npm installed
  • Your MobileCoder project code downloaded
  • App icon and screenshots ready

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Step 1: Prepare Your App

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Update App Information

Before building, update your app’s configuration in app.json:
The package name must be unique and typically follows the format com.companyname.appname. The versionCode must be incremented for each new release.

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Step 2: Create APK for Testing

Before publishing, test your app on a physical Android device.

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Generate APK

Or using EAS Build:

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Install on Device

  1. Download the APK file
  2. Transfer to your Android device
  3. Open the file to install (you may need to enable “Install from unknown sources”)
  4. Test your app thoroughly

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Step 3: Create AAB for Production

The Google Play Store requires an AAB (Android App Bundle) for distribution.

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Generate AAB

Or using Expo classic build:
Wait for the build to complete, then download the AAB file.

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Step 4: Set Up Google Play Console

1

Create Developer Account

Go to Google Play Console and sign up. There’s a one-time $25 registration fee.
2

Create New App

Click Create app and fill in:
  • App name
  • Default language
  • App or game
  • Free or paid
Accept the declarations and click Create app.
3

Complete Store Listing

Fill in all required information:
  • App details: Description, screenshots, feature graphic
  • Categorization: Category and tags
  • Contact details: Email, phone, website

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Step 5: Upload and Release

1

Go to Production

In your app’s dashboard, navigate to Release → Production.
2

Create New Release

Click Create new release.
3

Upload AAB

Drag and drop your AAB file or click to browse.
4

Add Release Notes

Write what’s new in this version.
5

Review and Roll Out

Click Review release, then Start rollout to Production.
Before a full release, test with a small group:
  1. Go to Release → Testing → Internal testing
  2. Create a new release and upload your AAB
  3. Add tester email addresses
  4. Testers receive a link to install your app
This is Google’s equivalent of TestFlight.

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App Review Timeline

New apps typically take 1-3 days for review. Updates are usually faster.
Google reviews for policy compliance, security issues, and content guidelines.
Google will explain the issue. Fix the problem and resubmit your app.

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Common Requirements

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Privacy Policy

A privacy policy URL is required. It must be accessible and describe how you handle user data.

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Content Rating

Complete the content rating questionnaire in Google Play Console to receive a rating for your app.

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Data Safety

Fill out the Data Safety section to describe what data your app collects and how it’s used.

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Updating Your App

To release an update:
  1. Increment the versionCode in app.json
  2. Build a new AAB
  3. Create a new release in Google Play Console
  4. Upload and roll out

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Need more help?

Still have questions? Contact us at [email protected].